Concrete Cracks & Gaps2026-10-20T15:43:45-05:00

Concrete Cracks & Gaps in the Texas Panhandle and Northwest Texas, TX: What They Mean & How to Fix Them

Cracks and gaps in driveways, sidewalks, patios, porches and other concrete surfaces happen often, but they shouldn't be overlooked. While some cracks are simply the result of normal concrete curing, others signal that the soil beneath the slab has settled, shifted or washed away. As concrete loses support, it can crack, separate or become uneven. At your free inspection, Legacy Supportworks determines the underlying cause and recommends the right solution.

Symptoms

When Concrete Cracks Need Professional Attention

Concrete cracks range widely, from small hairline cracks to growing gaps between slabs. Although some are simply a product of normal aging, the following signs often mean the concrete keeps moving because the supporting soil has shifted or settled.

Causes

What Causes Concrete Cracks & Gaps to Form?

Concrete naturally forms small cracks over time, but not every crack has the same cause. Some are simply part of curing or years of weather exposure. Others develop when the soil under the slab shifts, settles or washes away and the concrete begins to move. Understanding what's causing the damage is the key to choosing the right repair. While light surface cracking may be harmless, widening cracks, growing gaps or uneven concrete often indicate underlying problems that should be professionally evaluated.

  • Expanding or Shrinking Soils

    Fluctuating soil moisture can cause the ground beneath concrete to expand when wet and contract when dry. As the soil moves, the concrete loses consistent support, increasing the likelihood of cracks, gaps and settlement.

    Many areas have clay-rich soils that naturally expand as they absorb moisture and contract as they dry. This constant cycle places stress on concrete slabs, causing them to shift over time. Even slow soil movement can create widening cracks or uneven surfaces if left unaddressed.

  • Poor Soil Compaction

    Concrete performs best when properly compacted soil supports it. If the ground wasn’t properly prepared before the slab was poured, it can settle over time, leaving sections of concrete without the support they need.

    Poor compaction is common beneath driveways, sidewalks, patios and porches, especially where fill soil was added during construction. When loose soil compresses, the slab may crack, settle or pull away from adjacent concrete.

  • Soil Washout and Erosion Beneath Slabs

    Soil erosion takes place when water steadily carries off the soil beneath a concrete slab. As the supporting soil disappears, the concrete may sink, crack or separate from adjacent slabs.

    Poor drainage, leaking downspouts, heavy rainfall and water flowing beneath the slab can all contribute to soil erosion. When these voids grow, the concrete sinks into the open space, creating cracks, uneven slabs and widening gaps.

  • Excessive Vehicle Weight

    Frequent heavy loads can push concrete beyond what it was designed to handle, particularly when the soil beneath it has already weakened.

    Driveways handling large trucks, RVs or commercial vehicles may show cracking or settlement earlier than lightly used surfaces. If the soil beneath the slab is unstable, the additional weight can speed up movement and worsen existing damage.

  • Routine Concrete Curing and Aging

    Hairline cracks come with normal concrete curing and aging. That said, cracks that continue to widen, open into gaps or turn uneven often signal movement beneath the slab rather than normal wear.

    Not every crack indicates a structural problem. That said, cracks that widen over time, open into gaps or appear alongside uneven concrete often suggest the slab is moving rather than just aging. A professional inspection can tell whether the damage is cosmetic or a sign of underlying settlement.

Why Ignoring Concrete Cracks Creates Bigger Problems

  • Stage 1

    Water Works Its Way In

    Small cracks often seem cosmetic at first, but they let water travel down to the soil beneath the slab. As moisture washes away supporting soil or causes it to expand and contract, the concrete can continue to shift.

  • Stage 2

    Uneven Concrete & Trip Hazards Appear

    As supporting soil settles or washes out, sections of concrete can become uneven or separate from each other. What started as one small crack can create a trip hazard, collect standing water and make driveways, sidewalks, patios or porches less safe to use.

  • Stage 3

    Repairs Become More Extensive

    Ignoring ongoing slab movement can lead to larger cracks, continued settlement and more expensive repairs. Handling the problem early can often stabilize and restore the concrete before heavier damage—or even replacement—becomes necessary.

The Way Legacy Supportworks Repairs Cracked Concrete

Not all concrete cracks require the same repair. During a free inspection, Legacy Supportworks identifies what's causing the damage before recommending a solution. If the slab has settled, PolyLevel® is first used to lift and stabilize the concrete. Once the slab is fully supported, NexusPro® seals the cracks and joints to help prevent water intrusion and protect the repair.

  • NexusPro® Joint & Crack Sealant

    NexusPro® seals concrete cracks and joints to help stop water from reaching the soil beneath the slab. Unlike many store-bought fillers, it stays flexible through seasonal expansion and contraction for a longer-lasting seal.

  • PolyLevel®

    If settlement caused the cracks, PolyLevel® lifts and stabilizes the slab before it’s sealed. Correcting the underlying cause helps create a longer-lasting repair.

How It Works

Legacy Supportworks' Concrete Repair Process

Benefits

Why Homeowners Choose Legacy Supportworks

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Before & after photos

Check out before and after photos from some of our completed projects.
  • Stabilizing a Crawlspace in Pampa, TX

    This home had crawlspace beams that were cracking and lacked stabilization. 

    Years of shimming had only been a “band-aid” fix and this customer was looking for a permanent solution.

    Our crew installed steel beams and steel smartjacks on engineered fill.

    The result was a permanently stabilized floor!

  • Concrete Repair in Spearman, TX

    A customer reached out after seeing a video of concrete lifting using injection methods and wondered if it could work for their front porch. Their home, built in 1968, features a large concrete porch with a section that originally had a planter between it and the house. At some point, the planter was covered with concrete, which has since sunk about 4 inches. Both sections measure approximately 8×12. While the porch itself was fine, they wanted a solution to lift the concrete over the old planter rather than starting from scratch. Legacy inspected the situation and provided a tailored solution to restore their home.

  • Foundation Repair in Guymon, Oklahoma

    Just four years after adding a first porch for relaxation, a homeowner in Guymon, OK found himself facing a disheartening problem – his beloved porch had settled a shocking 2 feet into the ground, taking his dreams of peaceful rocking chair afternoons with it. As depicted in our before photo, this alarming sinkage rendered the space unusable. To lift and stabilize the sinking structure, we deployed our trusted Push Pier system, meticulously engineered to provide strength and elevation from deep below the surface. The transformation is apparent in the after photo, where the porch now stands level and secure, promising many future years of comfort and stability. At Legacy Supportworks, reviving your home’s foundation to ensure lifelong enjoyment and safety is not just our mission—it’s our commitment to you.

Our service area

Legacy Supportworks is the local expert for Foundation Repair, Concrete Repair & Concrete Leveling and more. We proudly service Lubbock, San Angelo, and all of West Texas & Cimarron County, OK.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DIY concrete crack filler a permanent fix? 2026-10-02T11:53:11-05:00

Hardware store crack fillers can improve the appearance of concrete and help keep water out, but they don’t address the underlying cause of many cracks. If soil movement or washout is causing the slab to settle, the concrete may continue to move even after the crack is filled. A professional inspection can tell whether sealing alone is appropriate or whether the slab needs to be stabilized with PolyLevel® before the crack is repaired. 

What does concrete crack repair cost? 2026-10-02T11:52:42-05:00

The cost depends on several factors, including the size of the slab, the extent of settlement, the number of cracks and the repairs needed. Because every property is different, the best way to get an accurate estimate is through a free professional inspection. Legacy Supportworks will inspect the condition of your concrete and recommend the most effective repair for your situation. 

How durable is concrete crack repair? 2026-10-02T11:52:13-05:00

Long-term results depend on addressing the underlying cause of the damage. When settled concrete is stabilized with PolyLevel® and the cracks are sealed with NexusPro®, the repair is designed for lasting performance. During your inspection, Legacy Supportworks will recommend the best solution based on your property’s specific conditions. 

How does PolyLevel® fix cracked concrete? 2026-10-02T11:51:46-05:00

PolyLevel® is a high-density polyurethane foam injected beneath settled concrete through small, penny-sized holes. As the foam expands, it fills voids in the soil and gently lifts the slab back toward its original position while providing long-term support. If settlement caused the cracks, stabilizing the slab helps correct the underlying problem before the cracks are sealed. 

Will concrete cracks continue to get worse? 2026-10-02T11:51:19-05:00

They often do. If cracks allow water to get to the soil under the slab, erosion and settlement may keep going, causing the concrete to move even more. Over time, small cracks can become larger, gaps may widen and uneven concrete can create trip hazards. Handling the underlying cause early can help stop additional damage. 

When should I worry about cracks in my driveway or sidewalk? 2026-10-02T11:50:53-05:00

Small hairline cracks are often a normal part of concrete aging. That said, if cracks continue to widen, gaps form between slabs, one section rises above another or the concrete begins to settle, it’s worth having it inspected. Signs like these often mean soil movement is ongoing and can worsen if left untreated. 

Is it possible to repair cracked concrete without replacing it? 2026-10-02T11:50:26-05:00

In many cases, yes. Most cracked concrete slabs can be repaired without the expense and disruption of full replacement. When the slab is structurally sound, it can usually be lifted and stabilized with PolyLevel®, then sealed with NexusPro® to help reduce water intrusion and protect the repair. Replacement is usually only necessary when the concrete is too damaged to restore. 

Are concrete cracks a sign of a foundation issue? 2026-10-02T11:49:41-05:00

Not usually. Most cracks in driveways, sidewalks, patios and other exterior concrete slabs are caused by soil movement beneath the concrete—not foundation damage. However, if you’re seeing widespread settlement around your property or cracks in both your concrete and your home’s foundation, it’s worth scheduling a professional inspection to identify the cause. 

What causes cracks and gaps in concrete? 2026-10-02T11:49:10-05:00

Concrete cracks for several reasons, such as normal curing, age, heavy loads and seasonal weather changes. However, many widening cracks and gaps form because the soil beneath the concrete settles, shifts or washes away over time. As the slab loses support, it can crack, separate or become uneven. A professional inspection can confirm whether the damage is cosmetic or the result of soil movement beneath the slab. 

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